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Collage of photos from various theatre performances and classes
Theatre » Theatre Department

Theatre Department

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Questions? EMAIL Mr. Bengford: [email protected]
 
Westmont Theatre offers all students a welcoming place to express themselves. We proudly offer diverse opportunities for young artists to grow as performers, technicians, directors, and leaders. By participating in Theatre, our students discover success beyond traditional testing, enhance their critical thinking and leadership skills, while strengthening their ability to communicate the ideas of playwrights, composers, and their peers. quotes to show that Theatre is inclusive of all people
 
Our Theatre Department produces ten-twelve shows a year, runs an extremely active Thespian Troupe which participates in at least three major events throughout the year, and offers four-year CTE pathways in Theatre Arts, Musical Theatre and Technical Theatre.
 
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Westmont Theatre Code of Ethics
 
Grown-Up Theater Kids Run the World
 
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
TIME CARD
9-5 Audition Sign Ups
 
 
 
 
Course Descriptions

This course introduces and provides experience in all aspects of theatre arts. Students study basic principles of acting, including character analysis, textual interpretation, voice, movement, collaboration, improvisation, and critical analysis of performance. Additionally, students gain a working knowledge of theatre history and the multiple forms of theatrical performance, as well as the technical aspects of theatre and theatrical design. Special emphasis is placed on theatrical vocabulary and codes of conduct, as well as the creation, production, and direction of monologues and scenes.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE, General Elective

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f),  College-prep Elective (g)

This course focuses on styles of acting and performance and theatrical production. Class work focuses on scene study (including research, direction, stage management, character analysis, setting analysis, and design) and monologues from various theatrical eras and genres.


Prerequisite: Theatre 1 or Musical Theatre 1.
  • Students may also take this course during their senior year after completion of Theatre 3 or Musical Theatre 3.
 

Grade Level: 10-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE, General Elective

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f),

Electives(g)

This course is an extension of the Theatre Arts program, focusing on directing for the stage. Students engage in collaborative projects with acting students during which they develop the critical leadership skills needed to succeed in the professional world. Focus is conceiving and then creating a total concept, peer coaching, and critical analysis of theatrical works.


Prerequisite: Theatre 2 or Musical Theatre 2

 

Grade Level: 11-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE, General Electives

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f),

Electives(g)

This advanced level course focuses on the leadership and producing components of Theatre Arts. Students develop a clear understanding of all the components of the production process while gaining the critical career skills of collaboration, organization, and peer leadership. Students learn the business of theatre while deepening their skills as an actor and director.


Prerequisite: Theatre 3
 

Grade Level: 12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f)

                                                                                                                      
This course serves as an ambitious introduction to the principles, fundamentals, skills, and historical context of musical theatre in the United States and abroad. The course is designed around and meets all of the California Content Standards for theatre, dance, and music. Major units of study focus on the historical context of musical theatre, music, and dance, artistic perception and critique, aesthetic valuing, creative expression, and connections and applications of the performing arts to career aspirations and opportunities.
 

Grade Level: 9-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE

CSU/UC: Visual & Perf Arts(f), Electives(g)

This course enables students to participate in varied aspects of musical theatre, with special attention to the fundamentals of voice production, stage movement, acting, characterization, dance, and technical aspects of a musical production. Students will be introduced to the foundations of musical theatre using exercises, assignments, prepared musical selections, play/ concert attendance, and written assignments. As outlined in the California Department of Education State Standards, this class may require students to participate in extra rehearsals and performances beyond the school day.


Prerequisite: Musical Theatre 1
 

Grade Level: 10-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f), Electives(g)

This course enables students to participate and manage the varied aspects of musical theatre with special attention to vocal production, stage movement, acting, characterization, dance and technical aspects of a musical production. Students participate in leadership and directorial positions such as choreographer, production assistant, director, and vocal director or other varied technical design and leadership positions. Students will be introduced to advanced tenants of musical theatre through the use of exercises, assignments, prepared musical selections, play/concert attendance and written assignments. As outlined in the California Department of Education State Standards, this class may require students to participate in extra rehearsals and performances beyond the school day. Emphasis is on the student led creation of every aspect of a musical theatre performance.


Prerequisite: Musical Theatre 2
 

Grade Level: 11-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f), Electives(g)

This course builds on the skills developed in Musical Theatre 1, 2, and 3 and provides advanced instruction on job skills required in the world of Theatrical Production. Students will continue to develop skills in directing, choreography, vocal direction and theatrical design. They will also be responsible for obtaining a professional internship in theatre arts with a local theatre company (the instructor will assist students using district connections and resources). They will keep a weekly journal detailing their learning experiences and a resource binder showing the job skills they have acquired.  Students will also take a business or logistic leadership role (director, producer, stage manager) for at least one public performance assignment. Students will also take a leadership role outside of class activities (such as an open audition play or performance events).  Students develop multiple organizational and non-artistic skills such as schedule planning, interpersonal problem solving, peer direction and leadership, and working collaboratively with others (both students and teachers).  Students round out their education by spending a minimum of 10 hours working on large scale productions in the area of patron services and technical theatre.


Prerequisite: Musical Theatre 3
 

Grade Level: 12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, Electives

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f), Electives(g)

                                                                                                                      
This course develops knowledge of and experience in all the technical (nonperformance) aspects of theatrical production. Special emphasis is placed on the elements of theatrical design (scenery, lighting, properties, sound, costumes, and hair and make-up), design analysis, stage management, and production management. Additionally, students gain hands-on experience in all aspects of technical theatre. Students design or crew on two productions.
 

Grade Level: 9-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f)

Technical Theatre 2 continues to refine those concepts and skills outlined in Technical Theatre 1. The course broadens the focus of design to include lighting and costumes and expands the student’s understanding of the inter-relatedness of the various design aspects. The topics covered include research techniques and tools, play analysis for visual interpretation, graphic techniques, expression including sketching, drafting, rendering and model building. Students are directly involved in the technical aspects of the productions as they design and construct sets, costumes, and makeup; hang lights, create special effects; paint; and build props for the productions.  Students learn specialized vocabulary and explore set design, lighting design, and costume design. Students reflect on design elements found in school and outside production with design analysis and critiques. In the second semester, students explore mood, color, application and perspective.  Problem solving, leadership, and working well under pressure are stressed as the students are exposed to the history of theatrical design and current trends in technical theatre.


Prerequisite: Technical Theatre 1
 

Grade Level: 10-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f)

Technical Theatre 3 focuses on the production staff aspects of putting on a show. Such positions include stage manager, technical director, as well as set, costume, prop, and lighting designers. As outlined in the California Department of Education State Standards, this class may require students to participate in extra rehearsals and performances beyond the school day.


Prerequisite: Technical Theatre  2

 

Grade Level: 11-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts, CTE

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f)

Technical Theatre 4 Honors deepens the focus on the production staff aspects of putting on a show. Such positions include stage manager, technical director, as well as set, costume, prop, and lighting designers. Students also must produce a production.  Technical Theatre 4 Honors requires the student to investigate, arrange, and complete an internship with a professional theatre company.  As outlined in the California Department of Education State Standards, this class may require students to participate in extra rehearsals and performances beyond the school day.


Prerequisite: Technical Theatre 3
 

Grade Level: 12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f)

Graph to visually show the Theatre course options.